Wales centre's shoulder pieced back together, but he's taking no chances in return to action after a five-month lay-off

Scott Williams holds his damaged shoulder after the Six Nations defeat to Ireland

Wales centre Scott Williams is finally ready to make his comeback after a costly Six Nations collision with Brian O'Driscoll that has left him needing a rope and a screw to repair a damaged shoulder.

The Scarlets centre smashed into the Irish legend during Wales’ 26-3 trouncing in Dublin last February, and while initially it looked as though O'Driscoll was down and out, it was Williams who was led from the fray early and the Lions icon who got to his feet and helped steer his nation to victory.

Williams had been one of Wales' most impressive players in the run-up to his injury, showing in the absence of Jonathan Davies that he had the ability to make an impact at Test level.

Davies, who starts the season at Clermont, has since returned from his pectoral muscle injury and so Williams' task in the coming campaign will once again be to dislodge his old team mate’s midfield partnership with Jamie Roberts.

Despite the consequences of the collision with O'Driscoll, Williams paid a glowing tribute to the Irishman when he retired at the end of last season.

"He's a world-class player, one of the best there's ever been," said Williams.

"He's played so many games and to last as long as he did without getting too many injuries is impressive.

"There’s also the way he plays the game: he puts his body on the line. He's a big influence on a lot of players. I was a bit gutted to get injured against him, but it was a massive privilege to have played in one of his last games and to have swapped jerseys with him after.

"I'm sure I’ll be framing that one in the house. It was a massive honour. I went in their dressing room and got it.

"He just asked me about the shoulder. He did say his ribs were hurting a bit, but I told him they weren't hurting as much as my shoulder!"

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